Chesapeake Receives Nicky Polanco in Exchange for the Rights to CJ Costabile

ANNAPOLIS, MD -The Chesapeake Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) have received All-Star defenseman Nicky Polanco from the Long Island Lizards in exchange for the rights to their 2012 1st round Collegiate Draft pick C.J. Costabile. In addition, the Bayhawks obtained both a 2013 and 2014 2nd round Collegiate Draft pick while the Lizards got a 2013 5th round Collegiate Draft pick.

“I’m very excited to be a Bayhawk,” Polanco said. “I’m really looking forward to getting with the guys today. Long Island was great but I think it was time for me to move on. I think there’s a time period for everything. My heart will always be in Long Island but again it was time for me to move on and be a part of the Bayhawks.”

Polanco, a two-time MLL Defensive Player of the Year has not played in the Lizards' two games this year and he will now join former teammate Brian Spallina on the field for Chesapeake.

“It was definitely an added bonus to have Brian on the team,” Polanco continued. “Brian is like a brother to me. I treat him like he is a brother and it’s been an honor and a pleasure to be playing with him for most of my career, but I think we pretty much moved on for the same reasons. It’s not the ultimate reason why I wanted to go [to Chesapeake], but that’s the place where I wanted to be. I really respect Coach Cottle, his staff and the organization as a whole. I’ve always respected the Bayhawks. That’s why I wanted to go there.”

Polanco has played in the MLL since 2002, starting his career with the Barrage and then moving to the Lizards in 2005. Throughout his career Polanco has played in 102 games and he has recorded 365 ground balls and 72 penalty minutes.

“We are excited to get a perennial All-Star to play for the Chesapeake Bayhawks,” head coach Dave Cottle stated. “His leadership, passion, and ability to be a great teammate were added factors in this decision. We were able to get a player to help our team now as well as more picks to build our team for the future. As of right now we have one 1st, one 2nd, two 3rd, and two 4th round picks in the 2013 Collegiate Draft. We have the ability to pick up 6 of the top 32 players coming out of college next year. This helps us win now and in the future.”

“I feel like I’m a rookie again; I feel like I’m alive again,” Polanco concluded. “I’m so excited. I feel like tomorrow is going to be the first game of my career. I couldn’t sleep last night just thinking about everything. I’ve been hoping that this was going to happen. I’m really excited to be part of a new organization and a new family so to speak.”

Friday, May 18th at 11am, the Bayhawks travel to Hamilton for their second road game of the season. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.com. Follow @thebayhawks on Twitter for live updates and watch the replay at 9pm on Saturday, May 19th on Comcast SportsNet.

The Bayhawks return home on June 9th to battle the Charlotte Hounds. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thebayhawks.comor over the phone by calling the box office 866-99-HAWKS (42957). Reserve your seat today and see the Bayhawks battle at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium this summer.